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| Preface |
| This Code is derived from the fundamental principles of Good Corporate Governance, Good Corporate Citizenship and Exemplary Personal Conduct that are interlinked to each other. The code of conduct is applicable to the directors (both executive & non-executive) and senior management who are responsible to carry out the duties in an honest, ethical and fair manner within the authority levels accorded to them. |
| Philosophy |
| "Trusteeship" is the core value underlying the philosophy of the company. It is our belief that this organization has been handed to us by the various stakeholders in "trust" and we as professional managers are the "trustees" of these stakeholders. We take the responsibility of protecting the interests of our stakeholders. It is also our belief that in order to serve the interests of our stakeholders, we must build Deck Consulting Inc into an institution whose dynamism and vitality are anchored in its core values. |
| Governance Policy |
| The Corporate Governance Policy is an instrument that guides the conduct of the affairs of the Company and the policy delineates the roles, responsibilities and authorities of the key entities in the governance structure of the Company. This Code is an integral part of the Company's Governance Policy. The directors, senior management must adhere to the Corporate Governance Policy of the Company. |
| Good Corporate Citizenship |
| In the conduct of the Company's business, the practice of good corporate citizenship is a prerequisite and embraces the following: |
| HR Policies: The core values of our HR Philosophy are - trust, teamwork, mutuality and collaboration, meritocracy, objectivity, self respect and human dignity. These values form the basis of our HR management systems and processes. In areas such as selection and recruitment, merit will be the only criterion and all managers will avoid considerations other than merit and suitability. Performance management systems including appraisals, remuneration and rewards will focus on meritocracy, equity and upholding of Company values. |
| Dealings with Suppliers and Customers: The accepting of gifts and presents of more than a nominal value, gratuity payments and other payments from suppliers or customers will be viewed as serious breach of discipline as this could lead to compromising the Company's interests. All directors and senior management shall ensure that in their dealings with suppliers and customers, the Company's interests are never compromised. |
| Gender Friendly Workplace: We are committed to a gender friendly workplace. It is ensured that equal opportunities are given for men and women. All steps to be taken to prevent/stop/redress sexual harassment at the workplace and institute good employment practices. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexually determined behaviour such as, unwelcome physical contact; a demand or request for sexual favours; sexually coloured remarks; showing pornography and any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. The company maintains an open door for reportees; encourages employees to report any harassment concerns and is responsive to employee complaints about harassment or other unwelcome and offensive conduct. The company also promotes professional behaviour and respectful treatment of all employees. |
| Diversity: We believe that diversity enriches our performance and services, the communities where we live and work, and the lives of our employees. As our workforce evolves to reflect the growing diversity of our communities and the global marketplace, our efforts to understand, value, and incorporate differences become increasingly important. We define diversity broadly to extend beyond race, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression—it is truly about all the ways in which we differ. |
| Leading by Example: The professional tone for the company is the organization's directors and senior management. The words and actions of the organization's leaders convey what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. The company's directors and senior management must constantly reinforce through their actions and behaviour that Deck Consulting Inc's stated beliefs of responsible corporate citizenship are rooted in individual conviction and personal integrity. |
| Prompt Legal Compliance: The Company's policy is to comply with all applicable Laws and Regulations. Ensuring Legal and Regulatory compliance is the responsibility of the Chief Executives of the Businesses and the Divisional Management Committees. Unlawful practices damaging the reputation of the company shall be avoided. Divisional Management Committees must satisfy themselves that sound and adequate arrangements exist to ensure that they comply with the legal and regulatory requirements. The impact of the developments in the legal world is to be constantly identified. If any Law is not clear, the Company's Legal Department shall be consulted for advice. |
| Health and Safety: The Company attaches great importance to a healthy and safe work environment. Good physical Quality working conditions, high standards of hygiene and housekeeping shall be ensured. Particular attention should be paid to training of employees. |
| Conflict of Interest - Avoidance: All directors and senior management must avoid situations in which their personal interest could conflict with the interest of the Company. This is an area in which it is impossible to provide comprehensive guidance but the guiding principle is that conflict, if any, or potential conflict must be disclosed to higher management for guidance and action as appropriate. |
| Personal Conduct: All directors and senior management have the obligation to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner and act in the best interest of the Company at all times. They are expected to demonstrate exemplary personal conduct through adherence as stated. |
| Transparency: Except where the nature of the business entails confidentiality, the conduct of business in the company shall be totally transparent. It shall also be ensured that the areas of operation are open to audit and conduct of activities is totally auditable. Care is to be taken that more than one manager is involved in key decisions. The said transparency may be brought about through suitable policies, systems and processes, involving an appropriate segregation of duties and tiered approval mechanism. |
| Confidential Information - Protection: The confidential information gained in the course of employment shall not be used by Senior management or Directors for personal gain or for the advantage of any other person. Also information can be provided to press only on the basis of an approved policy. |
| Company Facilities: No Director or Senior Management shall misuse Company's facilities. However, such facilities may be provided for personal use either by policy or specific permission. It is to be ensured that the costs incurred for company's facilities are reasonable and there is no wastage. Ostentation in Company expenditure shall be avoided. The word "Senior Management" shall mean personnel of the company who are members of its core management team and this would comprise all members of management one level below the executive directors, including all functional heads. |
| Waivers: Any waiver of any provision of this Code of Conduct for a director or senior management must be placed for approval before the Company's Board of Directors. |
| Our Corporate Governance totally serves several purposes: |
- To establish and preserve management accountability to owners by appropriately distributing rights and responsibilities among Board members, managers, and shareholders
- To align, strengthen, and safeguard our culture of business integrity and responsible business practices
- To provide a structure through which management and the Board set and attain objectives and monitor continuous performances
- To encourage the efficient use of resources, and to require accountability for our stewardship of such resources
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